Issue:Review and evaluate the technical aspect of
the evaluation report submitted as the technical documentation for FL #8809

Note:
FL #. 8809 - The POC requested that staff
refers the evaluation report for this product to the Structural TAC for review
and evaluation.

Background:

-Product FL8809 was submitted to the
Commission for approval at the December Commission meeting.

-Product description:Plylox clips are designed to provide an
alternative method to secure wood structural panels, Section 1609.1.2,
Exceptions, to recessed window and door openings for protection against wind
born debris.

-Status of the product – Withdrawn by the
manufacturer.The Commission has no
authority to approve alternate materials to those required by the Code.

-At the POC meeting, Mr. Ted Berman, Program
Administrator, stated that the evaluation report, as written by Ms. Dougherty,
substantiate that the product “ Hurricane Clip” was tested to and in compliance
with ASTM E1996, although the test report lacks such substantiation.

1. Glazed openings located within 30 feet (9144 mm) of grade
shall meet the requirements of the Large Missile Test.

2. Glazed openings located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) above
grade shall meet the provisions of the Small Missile Test.

3. Storage sheds that are not designed for human habitation
and that have a floor area of 720 square feet (67 m2) or less are
not required to comply with the mandatory windborne debris impact standards of
this code.

4. Openings in sunrooms, balconies or enclosed porches
constructed under existing roofs or decks are not required to be protected provided
the spaces are separated from the building interior by a wall and all openings
in the separating wall are protected in accordance with Section 1609.1.2. Such
spaces shall be permitted to be designed as either partially enclosed or
enclosed structures.

Exceptions:

1. Wood structural panels with a minimum thickness of 7/16
inch (11.1 mm) and a maximum span of 8 feet (2438 mm) shall be permitted for
opening protection in one- and two-story buildings. Panels shall be precut so
that they shall be attached to the framing surrounding the opening containing
the product with the glazed openings. Panels shall be predrilled as required
for the anchorage method and all required hardware shall be provided.
Attachment shall be designed to resist the components and cladding loads
determined in accordance with the provisions of ASCE 7, with permanent corrosion-resistant attachment hardware
provided and anchors permanently installed on the building. Attachment in
accordance with Table 1609.1.2, with permanent corrosion resistant attachment
hardware provided and anchors permanently installed on the building is
permitted for buildings with a mean roof height of 45 feet (13 716 mm) or less
where wind speeds do not exceed 140 mph (63 m/s)

2. Glazing in Occupancy Category I buildings as defined in Section 1604.5,
including greenhouses that are occupied for growing plants on a production or
research basis, without public access shall be permitted to be unprotected.

3. Glazing in Occupancy Category II, III or IV buildings
located over 60 feet (18 288 mm) a1,500 feet (458 m) of the building shall be
permitted to be unprotected.

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot =
305 mm.
1. This table is based on a maximum wind speed of 140 mph (63 m/s) and mean
roof height of 45 feet (13 716 mm) or less.
2. Fasteners shall be installed at opposing ends of the wood structural
panel.
3. Where screws are attached to masonry or masonry/stucco, they shall be
attached using vibration-resistant anchors having a minimum withdrawal
capacity of 1500 lb (6673 kN).

104.11
Alternative materials, design and methods of construction and equipment. The
provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the installation of any
material or to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically
prescribed by this code, provided that any such alternative has been
approved. An alternative material, design or method of construction shall be
approved where the building official finds that the proposed design is
satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this code, and
that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at
least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code in quality, strength,
effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety. When alternate life
safety systems are designed, the SFPE Engineering Guide to
Performance-Based Fire Protection Analysis and Design of Buildings, or
other methods approved by the building official may be used. The building
official shall require that sufficient evidence or proof be submitted to
substantiate any claim made regarding the alternative.

Staff
review and findings:

-According to the test reports (see
attached), test methods were modified to focus the testing on evaluating the
ability of Plylox clips to continue to restrain the panel under multiple
significant missile impacts.

-Test reports do not affirm that the wood
structural panel product as anchored with the Plylox clips complies with the
structural and impact tests standards referenced in the test reports.

-The evaluation report and the product
application list ASTM E 330-02, ASTM
1886-05 and ASTM E 1996-05 as the compliance testing standards used to test and
evaluate the product for compliance with the 2007 FBC without qualifying or
clarifying that the testing standards were modified to focus the testing on the
clips and not the protection assembly as a system.